The Saudi crown prince reportedly told an adviser in 2017 that he would use “a bullet” against journalist Jamal Khashoggi — a year before the outspoken critic of the kingdom was killed and dismembered.

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman made the chilling remark to the aide in a conversation intercepted by American intelligence agencies, The New York Times said, citing both American and foreign officials with knowledge of the agencies’ reports.

Salman said he was willing to resort to violence if the US-based Khashoggi — who rankled Saudi royalty with his critiques of the kingdom — didn’t back down and return to Saudi Arabia, the report said.